La Liga
Atletico Madrid Stuns Real Madrid In Dramatic Madrid Derby
Atletico Madrid salvaged a point against their city rivals Real Madrid with a stoppage-time strike from Angel Correa at the Cívitas Metropolitano.
A Cagey Start
The match began in a tense atmosphere, with both teams feeling their way into the game.
Atletico’s Julián Alvarez, making his debut in the derby, was the first to threaten the goal, testing Real’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with a low shot from a tight angle just nine minutes in. Real Madrid responded with a long-range effort from Federico Valverde that forced a strong save from Jan Oblak, demonstrating the quality of both goalkeepers early in the match.
As the first half progressed, the game became increasingly physical, with several robust challenges flying in from both sides. Despite the intensity, clear-cut chances were hard to come by.
Oblak was called into action again, denying Jude Bellingham’s attempt, while Dani Carvajal’s close-range header from a corner was blocked, leaving the scoreline deadlocked at halftime.
Real Madrid Takes Control
The second half began with Real Madrid looking to assert their dominance. A well-executed set piece saw Rodrygo connect with Luka Modric’s pass, but his effort sailed just over the bar.
Atletico’s head coach, Diego Simeone, made tactical changes early in the half, hoping to spark his team into life.
However, it was Carlo Ancelotti’s men who found their rhythm and broke the deadlock just after the hour mark.
In a surprising twist, it was center-back Eder Militao who scored for Real Madrid. Vinicius Junior delivered a cross from the right following an overhit free-kick, which fortuitously landed at Militao’s feet at the back post.
The Brazilian defender controlled the ball with poise before unleashing a powerful shot that found the back of the net.
Tensions Flare
Militao’s goal ignited tensions in the stands, leading to a chaotic scene as projectiles were thrown onto the pitch, prompting referee Mateo Busquets Ferrer to halt the match for nearly 20 minutes.
The players retreated to the changing rooms as the situation was brought under control. When play resumed, Vinicius, now reinvigorated, nearly doubled Real’s lead with a stunning effort that Oblak managed to tip around the post.
Despite dominating possession and creating more opportunities, Real Madrid could not find a second goal, and Atletico Madrid remained in the contest, albeit struggling to create meaningful chances.
Late Drama and a Stunner from Correa
As the match approached its ending moment, Atletico Madrid began to push forward in search of an equalizer.
In a dramatic turn of events, they found their breakthrough deep into stoppage time. Correa latched onto a perfectly timed through-ball from Javi Galan, rounding Courtois before slotting the ball into the net. Initially, the goal was ruled offside, but VAR intervened, confirming that Correa had timed his run perfectly, keeping him onside.
The stadium erupted in jubilation as the Atletico fans celebrated the late equalizer.
However, the drama was not over yet. In the ninth minute of added time, Marcos Llorente received a red card for a second bookable offense, leaving Atletico to finish the match with ten men.
